The Kari Howard Fund for Narrative Journalism 2025 is now open for applications! This grant honors Kari Howard’s legacy by supporting narrative journalism that touches hearts and reveals the beauty, pain, and truth in everyday life.
The storytelling funding opportunity is offered by the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF), in partnership with Kari Howard’s family, friends, and colleagues. It provides up to $5,000 in funding to help journalists produce powerful stories rooted in strong reporting and emotional depth.
Whether you’re working on a love story, a tale of resilience, or a deeply personal account of community struggle, this grant is your chance to bring that story to life.
Quick Overview of Kari Howard Fund for Narrative Journalism 2025
- Host Organization: International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF)
- Grant Amount: Up to $5,000 USD
- Deadline: July 13, 2025 (11:59 PM EST)
- Project Language: English
- Eligible Formats: Print journalism; may include multimedia elements
- Location: Global (stories can be reported and published anywhere)
- Eligibility: Women and nonbinary journalists with 3+ years of experience
Perks of the Storytelling Fund for Journalists 2025
- Receive up to $5,000 to support your reporting project
- Freedom to explore human stories with creativity and depth
- Flexibility in format—print stories with digital or multimedia support
- Six-month reporting window to complete and publish your story
- Global recognition through support from the IWMF
- Support storytelling that combines fact with feeling, capturing rhythm, place, and emotion
Benefits of the Kari Howard Fund for Narrative Journalism 2025
- Develop your craft in narrative storytelling with support.
- Boost your journalistic portfolio with a high-quality, funded piece.
- Reach readers with a story that reflects Kari’s spirit and attention to detail.
- Tell stories that matter, in your voice and style.
- Join a community of narrative journalists upholding deep, meaningful reporting.
Exclusions of Kari Howard Fund for Narrative Journalism 2025
- Only women and nonbinary journalists are eligible
- Stories must be in English
- Internships do not count toward the 3-year experience requirement
- Doctors or journalism students without professional experience are not eligible
- Stories must be print-based, with multimedia allowed only as a supplement
- Freelancers or staff must show proof of publication or editor interest
Eligibility Criteria of the Funding Opportunity for Women Journalists
You may apply if:
- You identify as a woman, nonbinary, or gender nonconforming journalist
- You are a professional print journalist, either freelance or staff
- You have at least three years of professional experience in journalism
- Your main profession is journalism
- You can submit and publish your story in English
- You have either:
- An editor’s letter of interest
- OR a history of publishing in major outlets
- You agree to publish within 6 months of receiving the grant
Important Dates of the IWMF Storytelling Grant 2025
- Application Deadline: July 13, 2025 (11:59 PM EST)
- Application Decision: Early September 2025
- Project Timeline: Must be completed and published within 6 months of grant approval
How to Apply to the Fund for Narrative Journalism 2025
- Visit the official application page
- Create a free Submittable account or log in
- Complete the online form with your:
- Personal details
- Story pitch or project proposal
- Work samples or editor letter
- Budget (if required)
- Submit your application before July 13, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST
- Wait for results in early September
If you face accessibility issues, email: info@iwmf.org
Required Documents for Creative Storytelling Competition 2025
- Project proposal or story pitch
- CV or résumé
- Work samples (published stories)
- Letter of interest from an editor OR portfolio with a proven track record
- Optional: Budget estimate or timeline
Country-Specific Criteria for the Storytelling Competition
This grant is open to eligible applicants worldwide. However:
- All stories must be reported and published in English
- Journalists may report from any country but must adhere to the timeline and language rules
